Nigerian President Signs Law Criminalizing Homosexuality

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill on Monday that criminalizes same-sex relationships, the presidency said, defying pressure from Western governments to respect gay and lesbian rights.

The bill, which contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex "amorous relationships" and membership of gay rights groups, was passed by the national assembly last May but Jonathan had delayed signing it into law.

The law reads:

"Persons who enter into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union commit an offence and are each liable on conviction to a term of 14 years in prison," the bill says.

"Any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations or directly or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and shall each be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years in prison."

Scary stuff. What's your take on this development in Nigeria, Instincters?

This will unfortunately promote hate and violence I mean can't they actually realise that? Why not signing a law that punishes sex with minors? There will always be gays in every country and they won't be able to stop that.

Have they ever heard about pink money? Looks like Nigeria shall be removed from travel destinations. Looks their law will confine their gay village to prison. Sad for them that such hate and ignorance can bring their country further below underdevelopment.

Sad! "You Have to Give Them Hope" (Harvey Milk) that one day hate and ignorance will no longer be acceptable. Many parts of Africa seem to want to live in the dark ages. What we need to do is educate people about this issue. People fear what they do not understand.